Bit guard

Abstract

A mouth protection apparatus includes a substantially planar bit guard including first and second sides, and an inner aperture with first and second removable arcuate members. A first connection edge is releasably engageable with a second connection edge, wherein the first connection edge and the second connection edge define a first slit that intersects the inner aperture. A first tab extends from the first connection edge and is engaged with a first tab receiving aperture disposed proximate the second connection edge. A second tab extends from the second connection edge and is engaged with a second tab receiving aperture disposed proximate the first connection edge.

1. A mouth protection apparatus comprising:
 a substantially planar bit guard including first and second sides; 
 an inner aperture with first and second removable arcuate members; 
 a first connection edge releasably engageable with a second connection edge, wherein the first connection edge and the second connection edge define a first slit that intersects the inner aperture; 
 a first tab extending from the first connection edge and engaged with a first tab receiving aperture disposed proximate the second connection edge; and 
 a second tab extending from the second connection edge and engaged with a second tab receiving aperture disposed proximate the first connection edge. 
 
   
   
     2. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 a distal portion of the slit extends beyond the inner aperture and terminates at a hinge hole. 
 
   
   
     3. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , including:
 a reinforcing section that surrounds the distal portion of the slit. 
 
   
   
     4. A mouth protection apparatus comprising:
 a circular bit guard including first and second sides and an outer perimeter, 
 a rounded edge; and 
 an inner aperture, 
 a first connection edge adjacent a second connection edge, wherein the first connection edge and the second connection edge extend inward from the outer perimeter and intersect the inner aperture first and second arcuate members disposed inside the inner aperture and connected to an inside circular wall that defines the inner aperture. 
 
   
   
     5. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 4 , including:
 a reinforcing section that surrounds the first connection edge and the second connection edge. 
 
   
   
     6. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 5 , including:
 a rim that extends orthogonal to the first and second sides at the outer perimeter, wherein the rim and reinforcing sections define at least one recessed section. 
 
   
   
     7. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 6 , including:
 a first tab extending outwardly from the first connection edge in a direction toward the second connection edge. 
 
   
   
     8. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , including:
 first and second engagement flanges that extend outwardly from a distal end of the first tab. 
 
   
   
     9. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 8 , including:
 a second tab extending outwardly from the second connection edge in a direction toward the first connection edge. 
 
   
   
     10. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , including:
 first and second engagement flanges that extend outwardly from a distal end of the second tab. 
 
   
   
     11. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 10 , including:
 a first tab receiving aperture disposed on the second side of the circular bit guard. 
 
   
   
     12. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 11 , including:
 flange receiving indents adapted to receive the first and second engagement flanges disposed adjacent the first tab receiving aperture. 
 
   
   
     13. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 12 , including:
 a second tab receiving aperture disposed on the first side of the circular bit guard. 
 
   
   
     14. A mouth protection apparatus as set forth in  claim 13 , including:
 flange receiving indents adapted to receive the first and second engagement flanges disposed adjacent the second tab receiving aperture. 
 
   
   
     15. A method of protecting a mouth of an equine animal, comprising:
 providing a bit guard having an inner aperture with first and second arcuate members and a first connection edge releasably engageable with a second connection edge, wherein the first connection edge or the second connection edge includes a tab member and wherein the other of the first connection edge or the second connection edge is proximate a tab member receiving aperture; 
 placing the inner aperture of the bit guard around a bit; and 
 engaging the tab member with the tab member receiving aperture to positively secure the bit guard onto the bit. 
 
   
   
     16. The method of  claim 15 , further including:
 removing the first and second arcuate members before placing the inner aperture of the bit guard around a bit. 
 
   
   
     17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the bit guard includes a reinforcing section that surrounds the first connection edge and the second connection edge. 
 
   
   
     18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the bit guard includes a rim that extends around an outer perimeter of the bit guard.